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CARLTON captain Marc Murphy has credited coach Mick Malthouse and his head assistant Robert Wiley for guiding him through fluctuating form and the subsequent criticism.

Murphy responded to lead by example - with 26 possessions, four tackles, three score assists and seven clearances - in the elimination final victory against Richmond.

“The last few weeks, when our backs were against the wall, and probably myself as well, that’s when you really want to stand up. I’ve been pretty happy with the way I’ve responded in the last couple of weeks. It’s only two games, but finals footy is when you want to step up as an individual. And some guys can be really proud of that,’’ he said.

Murphy was philosophical over the targeting of himself and Bryce Gibbs during the Blues’ losses during the season.

“Obviously, Robbie Wiley and Mick have been great support. We’ve had our ups and downs and, when things aren’t going well, Bryce and I seem to cop a bit of it,’’ he said.

“I think Bryce can be pretty happy with his performances over the last couple of weeks. He has really stood up for us and as a leader around the club as well. That’s when you want your good players playing well, at finals time.’’

And the Blues’ skipper has been able to call on the advice of his father John Murphy, a former Fitzroy captain and five times best and fairest winner.

“I talk to him a little bit about footy. Obviously, he has been involved in footy for quite a while and I have a chat to him. With Robbie, Mick and him, they’re three important people I can call upon,’’ he said.

Murphy said a blunt half-time address from Malthouse during the last home-and-away round against Port Adelaide was the spur that not only propelled the Blues into the final, but set them up for another come-from-behind win against the Tigers.

“We were playing some pretty average footy against Port Adelaide, and as you saw at the weekend, they’re a pretty good side, and we got tested at half-time by Mick,’’ he said.

“To the boys credit, we responded from there. We knew, ever though we were down by 26 points (in Adelaide), against Richmond yesterday we could come back from there by slowly chipping away. Two weeks in a row now, the boys have done that when our backs have been against the wall and responded really well.’’

Murphy said the win had given the players ``enormous belief’’ for the massive challenge against Sydney on Saturday night.

“We’re slowly starting to get some respect. We’re looking forward to testing ourselves, that’s the way we’re approaching it.’’